Hydrocolloids of Egg White and Gelatin as a Platform for Hydrogel-Based Tissue Engineering

Abstract

Innovative materials are needed to produce scaffolds for various tissue engineering and regenerative medicine (TERM) applications, including tissue models. Materials derived from natural sources that offer low production costs, easy availability, and high bioactivity are highly preferred. Chicken egg white (EW) is an overlooked protein-based material. Whilst its combination with the biopolymer gelatin has been investigated in the food technology industry, mixed hydrocolloids of EW and gelatin have not been reported in TERM. This paper investigates these hydrocolloids as a suitable platform for hydrogel-based tissue engineering, including 2D coating films, miniaturized 3D hydrogels in microfluidic devices, and 3D hydrogel scaffolds. Rheological assessment of the hydrocolloid solutions suggested that temperature and EW concentration can be used to fine-tune the viscosity of the ensuing gels. Fabricated thin 2D hydrocolloid films presented globular nano-topography and in vitro cell work showed that the mixed hydrocolloids had increased cell growth compared with EW films. Results showed that hydrocolloids of EW and gelatin can be used for creating a 3D hydrogel environment for cell studies inside microfluidic devices. Finally, 3D hydrogel scaffolds were fabricated by sequential temperature-dependent gelation followed by chemical cross-linking of the polymeric network of the hydrogel for added mechanical strength and stability. These 3D hydrogel scaffolds displayed pores, lamellae, globular nano-topography, tunable mechanical properties, high affinity for water, and cell proliferation and penetration properties. In conclusion, the large range of properties and characteristics of these materials provide a strong potential for a large variety of TERM applications, including cancer models, organoid growth, compatibility with bioprinting, or implantable devices.

Compound Microalgae-Type Biofunctional Hydrogel for Wound Repair during Full-Thickness Skin Injuries

“…In general, the HQCS-SP hydrogel with various desired properties promoted the wound closure and wound closure post-care efficiently, which provides a new idea and application for skin wound repair in natural state, particularly as a promising candidate material for full-thickness skin damage restoration. In addition, new possibilities are opened up for the design of composite materials with a wider range of healthcare applications, considering bio-based hydrogels made by HQCS-SP supplemented by hydrocolloids or customized nanoparticles [ 56 , 57 ]. Through the introduction of hydrocolloids to improve physical properties, as well as new capabilities enabled by nanoparticles, such as targeted drug release, the development of these advanced materials will enable the emergence of more effective and personalized medical solutions, opening up new opportunities in healthcare.…”

Hydrocolloids of Egg White and Gelatin as a Platform for Hydrogel-Based Tissue Engineering

“…K.G.P. Bachelor's Degree thesis [80] can be found at University of Zaragoza Repository www.zaguan.unizar.es (accessed on 1 June 2023), Ref: TAZ-TFG-2022-2658. This is the only article published related to K.G.P.…”

Designing Composite Stimuli-Responsive Hydrogels for Wound Healing Applications: The State-of-the-Art and Recent Discoveries

“…Hydrocolloids speed up healing by enhancing autolysis and debridement. However, they are not suitable for infected wounds due to their occlusive nature and can cause trauma during removal [34,36,40]. A hydroconductive dressing features a specific multilayer structure that allows for the absorption of wound exudate, removal of debris from the wound bed, and subsequent transport of these by-products into its core [34,36,41].…”